Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are my go-to recipe when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. These tender, juicy meatballs cook slowly in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce that’s so much better than store-bought. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd at your next party.

I’ll never forget the first time I made these meatballs for a game day gathering. I was nervous about the homemade teriyaki sauce, but it turned out incredibly flavorful and easy. My slow cooker did all the work while I enjoyed time with friends. The best part? Everyone kept asking for the recipe. These slow cooker teriyaki meatballs have become my most requested appetizer. They’re versatile enough to serve over rice for dinner or on toothpicks for parties. The ginger and garlic in both the meatballs and sauce create layers of flavor that make these Asian meatballs truly special.

What You’ll Need to Make Teriyaki Meatballs

I always use fresh ginger and garlic in this recipe because they make such a difference in flavor. You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the beef if you prefer a lighter option. Pro tip: panko breadcrumbs keep these meatballs incredibly tender and prevent them from getting dense.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute pork or turkey for variety)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (regular breadcrumbs work but panko is lighter)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (I prefer fresh over dried)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium works great too)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark both work)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Equipment Needed:

• 4 to 6 quart slow cooker
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium bowl for sauce
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

I prefer to mix the meatball ingredients gently because overmixing makes them tough. Take your time shaping them into even sizes so they cook at the same rate.

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Mix with your hands or a fork until just combined. Don’t overmix or the meatballs will be dense.

Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs. Place them directly in the bottom of your slow cooker. They can overlap slightly, they’ll cook through evenly.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves. This creates your homemade teriyaki sauce base.

Step 4: Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure all meatballs are coated. The sauce will look thin but will thicken later.

Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are no longer pink inside.

Step 6: About 15 minutes before you plan to serve, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth with no lumps. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker with the meatballs and sauce.

Step 7: Turn heat to HIGH if not already on that setting. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze that coats the meatballs beautifully.

Step 8: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. The garnish adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor that complements the sweet teriyaki sauce.

Perfect Pairings for Your Teriyaki Meatballs

These slow cooker teriyaki meatballs pair beautifully with both Asian-inspired sides and simple comfort foods.

Steamed White or Brown Rice: The fluffy rice soaks up the extra teriyaki sauce perfectly, making this a complete meal with minimal effort.

Lo Mein or Udon Noodles: Toss the meatballs and sauce with noodles for a restaurant-style dish that’s even better than takeout.

Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers add color, crunch, and nutrition while balancing the sweet sauce.

Asian Cucumber Salad: A cool, tangy cucumber salad cuts through the richness of the meatballs and provides refreshing contrast.

Fried Rice: Transform leftovers into fried rice and add these meatballs on top for a hearty, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try

These slow cooker teriyaki meatballs are perfect when you’re craving bold Asian flavors made easy. If you love the sweet and savory combination, you’ll want to try the Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken which uses similar ingredients and cooking methods for fall-off-the-bone tender results.

For a complete Asian-inspired meal, pair these meatballs with the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for a fusion twist, or serve alongside the comforting Thai Potsticker Coconut Soup for a satisfying dinner spread. The Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles also makes an excellent companion dish, offering another slow cooker option that delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home.

Storing Your Slow Cooker Meatballs

I recommend storing these slow cooker teriyaki meatballs in an airtight container with plenty of sauce to keep them moist. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

For reheating, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. I find stovetop reheating gives the best texture.

These meatballs freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container with the sauce. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Pro tip: freeze in portion sizes so you can defrost only what you need for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute appetizers.

Common Questions About Teriyaki Meatballs

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